Early operative treatment of injuries of te thoracolumbar spine.

Following the assessment of our results, the following treatment policy is suggested for thoracolumbar spinal fractures. Stable fractures without neural involvement are treated conservatively. Stable fractures with neural involvement are rare, and the spinal cord or cauda equina should be decompressed. Unstable fractures are treated operatively with internal fixation and fusion. Unstable fractures with neural involvement are always treated operatively. Stabilization can usually be achieved by Harrington rods and fusion. Restitution of the normal anatomy gives the best chance for functional improvement.